Mobile station and method of use in radio communications

Abstract

A method for setting up a group call within a dispatch radio communication system is disclosed. Additional stations which are not programmed to respond to a transmitted group identification code (GIC) are enabled to join the call. The method comprises steps carried out by a service provider of (a) providing first and second additional fields in a set-up message, the first additional field carrying a Group Call Access Permission (GCAP) value and the second additional field carrying a Help Request Level (HRL) value, (b) enabling a call initiator to select a GCAP value, according to a range of stations the call initiator wishes to reach, and a HRL value, according to an assigned call priority, for transmission alongside the GIC in the step (a) fields, and (c) enabling any station that receives a set-up message to determine whether to join the call based on the GCAP and HRL values.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of prior filed co-pending international application Ser. No. PCT / EP01 / 12051 filed Oct. 18, 2001, and assigned to Motorola, Inc., which was published by the International Bureau on May 10, 2002 under No. WO 02 / 37885 A1.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a mobile station and a method for use in radio communications. In particular, it relates to a mobile station that is operable to make group calls with other mobile stations and to a method of arranging such calls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Mobile radios or radio transceivers are also known in the art and referred to herein as mobile stations (MSs). The terms ‘radio’, ‘mobile radio transceiver’ and ‘mobile station (MS)’ are intended to include within their meaning mobile and portable telephones and mobile and portable radio communications units and the like. Systems which include MSs and other units for radio communication with them are referred to herein as mobile radi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The first one of the fields may indicate a group identity code or number which in operation of the mobile station is input separately from the input selection means. Such a group identity number or code is conventional and may be input in a known manner, e.g. by the user by entry of the digits of the required number or code, e.g. via a keyboard. In contrast, the input selection means may conveniently allow the user to select an available option by a single selection command, e.g. by use of a button or key.

[0058]By the invention, the group to which a call set-up signal is sent by an initiating mobile station may be optionally broadened, so as to permit mobile stations that do not normally belong to a group being addressed optionally to join a current group call. This optional broadening can be beneficial in various circumstances. For example, the invention allows a user when on a temporary job assignment away from his / her usual work location, to call a group normally associated with the job or its territory. Another example of beneficial use of the invention is an operational emergency situation, where different, mutually unassociated, forces should join together, the invention allowing a larger group of users to be contacted readily.

Problems solved by technology

In current mobile communication systems, access to a group call is generally limited to predefined groups of users identified by their group ID code, as described above.

The present inventors have recognised however that such an arrangement can have limitations which in some circumstances can be serious, for the reasons explained later.

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